Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Tater Tot Casserole is a classic comfort food that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. The savory ground beef paired with the creamy mushroom soup and topped with crispy tater tots makes it a crowd-pleaser. It's a one-dish meal that’s filling, flavorful, and requires minimal effort. Plus, it can easily be customized with different seasonings and toppings to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
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½ cup sour cream
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
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1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Optional seasonings:
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama® seasoning
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(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it fully preheat.
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Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add diced onions and minced garlic; cook until softened. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices like garlic powder, paprika, or Worcestershire sauce. Drain any excess fat.
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Prepare Creamy Mixture: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream into the beef mixture. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
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Assemble Casserole: Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread the beef mixture evenly at the bottom. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
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Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
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Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
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Add Remaining Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Tater Tot Casserole!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6-8
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Total Time: 55-60 minutes
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
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Variations
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Vegetarian: Skip the ground beef and substitute with a mix of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
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Add Extra Veggies: Include frozen peas, corn, or green beans in the beef mixture for added nutrition.
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Spicy: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.
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Cheese Variations: Try using different types of cheese such as mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for a unique flavor.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, or until heated.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat in this casserole?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake it. Just make sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from the fridge.
3. Can I freeze Tater Tot Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze it for up to 2 months. To bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
4. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
While fresh potatoes are not typically used in this recipe, you can dice and par-cook them to create a similar effect. However, the texture won’t be the same as tater tots.
5. Can I use a different type of soup instead of cream of mushroom?
Yes, you can substitute with cream of chicken soup or another creamy soup base if you prefer.
6. How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free cheese, sour cream, and a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup alternative to make this recipe dairy-free.
7. Can I make this recipe without the soup?
Yes, you can make your own sauce by combining sour cream, some broth, and seasonings to mimic the texture and creaminess of the soup.
8. Can I add more cheese to the casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to add more cheese to taste, or even add a variety of cheeses for extra flavor.
9. How do I make this recipe spicier?
Add some diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture before baking.
10. Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in a larger dish. Just keep an eye on the baking time and ensure it’s fully cooked.
Conclusion
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is the perfect meal for busy weeknights or weekend get-togethers. It's easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and loved by all ages. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twist, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
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